In a gathering attended by a significant number of individuals from East Azerbaijan Province, Ayatollah Khamenei, convened at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah, denounced the front of Arrogance for its opposition to Iran’s electoral process.
This assembly coincided with the 46th anniversary of the Popular Uprising of the People of Tabriz, preceding Iran’s parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections scheduled for March 1, 2024.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution underscored that these elections symbolize the republican system and the values of the Islamic Republic, directly conflicting with the schemes of Arrogant Powers.
“Elections epitomize the essence of the republican system. Hence, the Arrogant Powers, particularly the U.S., who oppose both republicanism and the Islamic principles of the Islamic Republic, stand against the electoral process and the enthusiastic participation of the populace,” emphasized the Leader.
Ayatollah Khamenei recalled a past instance where a U.S. president urged Iranians to boycott elections, resulting in increased public fervor contrary to their intentions. Though such direct appeals ceased, efforts to deter electoral participation persist through various means.
The Leader emphasized, “Throughout the decades, allegations of election violations propagated by the enemy have been unsubstantiated. Any identified violations, following thorough investigations and assessments, have never altered the overall outcomes. Elections in the country have consistently upheld integrity, validity, and dignity.”
Additionally, Ayatollah Khamenei commended the Iranian populace for their resolute participation in the annual 22nd of Bahman rallies, showcasing unwavering perseverance, fervor, and revolutionary spirit across cities and villages nationwide.
He remarked, “The nation displayed remarkable resilience and revolutionary pride in both large urban centers and remote locales, confounding those who anticipated despondency on the 22nd of Bahman.”
Highlighting the Revolution’s progress and resilience amidst myriad challenges and plots over its 45-year history, the Leader elucidated that it now stands stronger and more influential, equipped with a discerning perspective.
He asserted, “The Revolution, embodied by the nation and the system, has navigated formidable obstacles, emerging stronger and more resilient. Presently, we must acknowledge our primary responsibilities and address them promptly.”
The Leader stressed the imperative of self-awareness and understanding the adversary as fundamental duties for all. He stated, “We must accurately assess both ourselves and the enemy; neglecting this duty constitutes a significant failing.”
Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that self-awareness entails recognizing, preserving, and bolstering strengths while effectively addressing and overcoming weaknesses. Highlighting the Revolution’s achievements, he cited the overthrow of the tyrannical Pahlavi regime as its most pivotal triumph.
“That oppressive regime deprived the people of their rights and autonomy, often acting at the behest of foreign powers,” he declared.
He added, “Today, in stark contrast, the people wield sovereignty over both the nation and its governance, determining the country’s trajectory through direct or indirect selection of its leaders.”
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
